Your Trusted Cardiologist In NYC

Feeling that your heart is skipping a beat or racing is frightening. When your heart doesn’t beat in a regular rhythm, you have atrial fibrillation, or Afib for short.

Why You Need to Get Rid of Afib

Atrial Fibrillation means that the electrical impulses of your heart are not working in rhythm. About one out of every four people experiences Afib, and it often is associated with other heart diseases. Afib causes your heart to be inefficient and can make you feel:

Dizzy

Lightheaded

Breathless

Fatigued

In addition, Afib can cause more serious problems like leg swelling or chest pain, and is the leading cause of strokes.

How to Get Rid of Afib

Keeping your heart healthy can help you get rid of Afib. Here are some lifestyle changes which can help:

Reduce or eliminate your use of stimulants like caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.

Keep your weight in the right range for your height and age.

Exercise regularly and try to move more throughout the day.

Avoid stressful situations and activities.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Get enough sleep each night.

If you have sleep apnea, get treatment.

Are Lifestyle Changes Enough to Eliminate Afib?

Any healthy lifestyle changes you make will help you control Afib. However, lifestyle changes may not be enough. Many people with Afib may need blood thinners, medications, or other treatment. Since Afib is a chronic disease which usually worsens over time, it is important to consult a doctor early on if you have symptoms. Don’t assume that the lack of continuing symptoms means your Afib has gone away. About 30% of Afib episodes are symptomless.

When You Should See a Cardiologist to Get Rid of Afib

If you have experienced unusual heart palpitations or felt your heart racing, you should make an appointment to see a cardiologist. Sometimes getting rid of Afib requires rhythm controlling medications, or outpatient medical procedures like catheter ablation. Only an experienced specialist can determine whether you need further testing, medicine, or treatment.

Dr. Seldon, a Heart Doctor and Cardiologist in New York City, offers same day appointments and all testing is done on site. Call us at 888.474.9351.